Introduction

On our very own British soil, we have an extensive history based around classic, rural pieces; an aesthetic that has always remained strong and relevant. Ditch the graphic tees, the leather and the puffa jacket and join in the Great British style revival this autumn/winter.

British Heritage: The Key Elements

The English hunter is not only a slayer of wildlife, but a style icon that has seen much resurgence in recent years. Heritage hunt wear is an excellent choice for the autumn/winter months as it is built to be weatherproof and durable.

Layering & Fabrics

First, the basics. Layering is key here. Mix plain, woollen jumpers with contrasting shirts and t-shirts for a seasonally appropriate look. Whilst après-ski patterns are certainly a key trend this season, British classics are our inspiration here, and anything semi-Scandinavian will only detract and confuse an otherwise strong look.

The key brands to look out for are the likes of Pringle, Lyle & Scott and Ted Baker, so take plenty of inspiration from our homegrown fashion heroes.

Colour shouldn’t be avoided, much to the contrary. Bright reds, blues and greens possess much regality if you invest in cashmere or quality woollen pieces, and I believe a good jumper is for life (providing you don’t use the boil wash setting by accident – take note).

When investing in high quality knitwear, make sure you also consider texture. Cable, waffle and flecked knits have a rural appeal and will instantly add character to any look you choose to integrate them into.

In terms of fabric choice, stick to materials traditionally associated with the countryside such as tweed, corduroy and wool – luckily for us, all three are trending this AW12.

Allsaints Spire Funnel Neck Jumper

Ami Ribbed Merino Wool-blend Sweater

Ymc Fenland Roll Neck Knit Sweater

Allsaints Border Crew Jumper

River Island Cable Jumper

Reiss Burner Printed Colour Jumper Green

Vintage Renewal Shetland Crew Neck Sweater

Topman Oat 100% Wool Crew Neck Jumper

Topman Toffee Shawl Collar Cardigan

J Lindeberg Cardigan Handknitted Lambswool

Plectrum By Ben Sherman Meoo113 Forest Cardigan

Lyle And Scott Vintage Cardigan With Shawl Neck

The Jacket

Barbour is the first and most obvious brand; countryside apparel that has become something of a firm fashion fixture. No longer the sole reserve of fox-killing toffs, Barbour is considered an excellent style choice for any contemporary gent. Waxed numbers in navy and dark green are more than relevant, as are cheaper quilted jackets, which can be worn as an under or outer layer, dependent on thickness.

Try to stick to the more classic heritage options; black belted jackets are a nice update of the more traditional formula, but they lack a certain heritage appeal. However, with premium brands like Barbour, comes a notable price tag. With this in mind, plenty of high street retailers offer more affordable versions. You will definitely be missing out on the prestige of owning such a brand, but your budget will always dictate your personal style choices.

Don’t forget to trawl eBay and other auctioning websites – a friend of mine found an authentic 1980s Barbour for an enviable £40. Vintage is always a winner in the heritage stakes.

Tweed blazers have become an alternative outerwear option, due to their inherent warmth, and can be dressed up or down as appropriate to your style/the occasion. Experimenting with multiple fabrics can often add a certain edge to your look, so embrace herringbone and plaid with open arms. Velvet collars and button detailing can propel your outfit into the style stratosphere, so keep an eye out for brass detailing and anything that wouldn’t look out of place on the local lord of the manor.

Farah Vintage Raleigh Navy Waxed Jacket

Barbour Olive Lobster Clip Hurst Jacket

Tweed Detail Wax Hooded Jacket

Private White V.c. Waxed-cotton Field Jacket

Barbour Ashridge Vintage Waxed Jacket

Allsaints Garbar Jacket

Barbour Chelsea Sports Quilt

Minimum Quilted Jacket

Reiss Angel Quilted Jacket Navy

Barbour By To Ki To Brown Tweed Quilt Sporting Jacket

Burton Montague Burton Khaki Slim Fit Heritage Blazer

Anerkjendt Carlo Castlerock Tweed Jacket

The Trousers

Believe it or not, straight-leg denim jeans integrate perfectly with this look. Whilst not an obvious sartorial decision, they can dress down any outfit – and every gent should have a half decent pair in their existing wardrobe.

Woollen trousers in grey and slate are the most heritage-friendly pieces, but try to avoid patterning if your tweed jacket already incorporates one. If your outfit is too busy you’ll just look ridiculous.

Corduroy trousers are not only on trend, but now come in a huge range of colours and a slimmer, more contemporary fit. Alex Woodhall has already shown you how to wear cords successfully this season, so just bear in mind the width of your wale (opt for a high count pinwale if you want to keep the look clean and modern) and what items you are going to be pairing them with. Go bold if your top half is restrained, and anchor with classic navy or brown cords if you have opted for a statement jacket.

Feel free to roll up hems once or twice for a clean, neat finish – the secret to a fantastic British outfit is a crisp silhouette. It also allows for a flash of sock colour, the height of British eccentricity, and everyone can earn a few extra style points from this little trick.

Selected Cord Trousers

Hartford Straight-leg Corduroy Trousers

Knowledge Cotton Apparel Forest Green Tapered Leg 8 Wale Cords

Reiss Brightling Cord Trousers Burnt Amber

Farah Vintage Albany Tobacco Cords

Petrol Slim Cord Trouser

Reiss Pistole Wool Flannel Trousers Grey

Shore Leave Grey Nepped Wool Trousers

Apc Pantalon Chic Anglais Marron Chine Trousers

Red Tweed Crew Socks

J.crew Cotton-blend Argyle Socks

Burlington Edinburgh Argyle Socks

The Shoes

Vans and Converse just won’t cut the mustard I’m afraid. All I can advise here is to invest, invest, invest; good shoes need to be high quality, to ensure a stylish finish and an element of hard wearing. Many a good outfit has been ruined by an ill-informed footwear choice and I wouldn’t want any of you to fall victim to this also.

Brogues, Oxford and Derby shoes are all incredibly relevant, and for those looking to bring a touch of the country to town, why not invest in a pair of brogue or hiking/walking boots? Both of these options are smart enough to be dressed up or down, and will bring a contemporary spin to the traditional ‘hunter’ aesthetic.

Personally, I think brown leather is best but feel free to go for whatever colour you see fit; the bolder amongst our kind may opt for country inspired colours such as burgundy, camel or olive, whereas two-tone brogues available from the likes of ASOS and Urban Outfitters provide an interesting twist on the classic model.

A final tip would be to polish regularly and accurately; many of my fellow writers here at FashionBeans stress the importance of proper care for our footwear. There’s no excuse for mud-caked brogues unless you’re homeless.

Trickers Woodstock Derby Shoes

Grenson Archie Brown Brogues

H By Hudson Tan Washed Leather Gould Shoes

Topman Benjamin Brogues

Trickers Burgundy Commando Brogue Bourton Shoes

H By Hudson Crawford Suede Brogue Shoes

Grenson Sharp Brogue Boots

Swear Tan Leather Logan Brogue Boots

H By Hudson Bloomfield Black Boots

Selected Homme Mars British Millerain Hiking Boots

Diemme Mens Firenze Ontario Work Boot

Fracap Brown Texture Leather Commando Hiking Boots

Conclusion

So guys, that’s a brief rundown of the joys and benefits of British heritage wear – and why looking like you’ve come straight from the farm is a desirable look this season.

Despite the polished appearance of this particular style, there’s nothing prissy or feminine about heritage hunt wear; these blokes have shotguns, after all.

Share this article:

There Are 25 Comments

Skybluemark Posted On 28th November 2012:

is it possible in these articles that you can reference some of the look books, as ive seen plenty of nice gear but havent a clue where to get hold of it. Some of the coats are particulalry appealing. thanks

I just bought my first Barbour jacket this week, a heritage-inspired yet contemporary fitted Wax Hardwick in olive, which really is a deep dark green. It’s absolutely delightful and I can only recommend it (or any other Barbour for that matter) to every gent out there. Don’t get discouraged by the price tag – it’s actually very fair considering the heritage and genuine quality of the garment which will last you decades and never go out of style. Unlike many high-street jackets, my Barbour seems perfectly weather-proof: not only does it keep the rain out, but it also tackles cold and wind unexpectedly well. And finally the sleeves are slim, just the right length, and armholes are quite high – the impact of the sleeves’ fit is often underestimated, to the wearer’s detriment. Did I mention the jacket can be worn with just about anything and requires zero effort to pull off? What are you waiting for, lads?

Charles Posted On 28th November 2012:

I know I’m making progress when the outfit I’m wearing is almost identical to one in the lookbook haha. Great article, I have always admired the English style.

Mark Posted On 28th November 2012:

If anything this “look” has been my favourite for a while now. It can be dressed up or down, looks great & can also be very practical in cold or wet weather. Must admit I sometimes wear brown military boots for a bit of a contemporary contrast.

Btw one thing missing was headgear, I guess flat caps (I’ve got 2) are the go-to headwear for this style but I’d appreciate other suggestions to keep things fresh & still functional

Murad Posted On 28th November 2012:

Just wondering where that cream jumper is from, its the second row , right picture. Its in the first set of pictures under the title Layering and Fabrics

If anybody knows where I can get a jumper like that or that one then please do tell! I need to get that ASAP! :)

I recently bought a Peregrine TT Jacket. It’s awesome and makes a difference from all the Barbour out there. There are some good , smaller British heritage brands out there. I think the key to heritage is to mix it up with your normal style where poss to create something individual, and focus on a small number of real quality items. Next on my list is a great tweed jacket – the search continues!!

Sebastian Posted On 1st December 2012:

Living deep within the Cotswolds may provide difficulties with style – the almost total lack of men’s clothes shops and tailors for example – but it does give permission to really run with this look – and I do!

So pleased to see many of the things I’ve worked into my looks mentioned in the article – I particularly recommend the turning up of trousers. It looses none of the country appeal, but sets one apart from the majority.

I’ve recently slowly worked some cravats into the British heritage look – as it was an important part 100+ years ago. I know how very easily a cravat can become a beacon pointing out a pretentious twit, but opting for old-fashioned methods of tying, as opposed to the day cravat, and only working it in where it enhances the overall silhouette, works for me I feel. I notice a number of people I know also trying them out now – some have even asked where I buy mine – so that’s a good sign I hope…!

If you’re looking for a designer I can recommend no one more highly than Holland Esquire. Beautiful cuts, stunning fabrics, and tiny touches in the buttons, elbow patches, stitching, etc. that totally set their clothes apart.

Dan Posted On 19th December 2012:

Cravats are a great look!

Peter Posted On 2nd December 2012:

What kind of hats do you think you could wear with this look? Can anyone point out any soecifics

Dan Posted On 19th December 2012:

Great article with the exception of the advice to keep brogues or oxfords well polished. I prefer to let mine get scuffed up a bit and then keep them in that condition. I don’t think the impact of a well dressed yet rough and ready look can be overstated.

Ben Posted On 19th January 2013:

Where is the jacket from third row down on the right in the jacket section? Thanks

These Comments Are Now Closed...

As this article is over a year old, the comments are now closed.

If you have a specific question about one of the points raised in the article, why not join our free fashion & style forum and start a thread? The FashionBeans community will always do their best to help you out, and our writers also frequent the forums regularly.